The season of giving: We can all do something to make a difference in the lives of others
By Paula Jero
Marshfield Area United Way Executive Director
One of the things I like best about the holiday season is the spirit of giving that is embraced by all but the grinchiest of us. Most of us allow the sights and sounds of the holidays to soften us and make us a little kinder and a little more giving during this time of year.
As I was writing this piece, a family delivered boxes of presents for a family they “adopted.” Their joy was infectious, and the obvious care that they felt for their anonymous adopted family was touching.
As the world around us gets crazier and scarier, I often feel helpless and wonder what I can do that will make a difference or feel significant. Let us face it — terrorism, violence, poverty, inequality and the many other world problems are big issues.
And then, in came this family with care and concern for a family that they will never meet, and it was the reminder that I needed. Do what you can, where you can, when you can, with what you have. We cannot do everything, but we all can do something.
I recently heard about a giving box that was part of a family’s holiday traditions. All members of the family suggested things that could be done that would help someone else. Each item was written on a slip of paper and put into a small box. At the beginning of the month, a slip or more of paper was drawn, and as a family the item on the paper was completed during the month. I love this idea. It keeps the holiday spirit of giving all year.
For this holiday season and 2016, I am wishing for you the season of giving, not gifting, which captures the true spirit of the holidays.
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